Postdoctoral studies in applied developmental neurobiology - stem-cell based modelling of schizophrenia focusing on genetic engineering - Hiring in process/Finished, not possible to apply

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Karolinska Institutet, departement of Physiology and Pharmacology

At the Department of Physiology and Pharmacology we teach and conduct internationally acclaimed, high-quality research in Physiology, Pharmacology, Anesthesiology and Intensive care. We have around 400 employees, 30 research groups, and 90 doctoral students. Our research fields include cellular signaling, cardiovascular and respiratory systems, neuropsychopharmacology, neuroinflammation, pharmacogenetics, regenerative medicine, renal system, anesthesiology and intensive care, muscle physiology and pain. Our collaboration with the clinics at Karolinska University Hospital provides unique opportunities for translational research within our subjects. More information about research at http://ki.se/fyfa_english

Research group

A postdoctoral fellowship is available in the laboratory of Carl M. Sellgren at the department of Physiology and Pharmacology at Karolinska Institutet. The group focus on identifying mechanisms that govern neurodevelopment and are disrupted in various neurodevelopmental disorders. The models are based on induced pluripotent stem cells collected from patients in the clinic and used to generate brain organoid models. We model both genetic and environmental risk factors and apply different molecular biology techniques and single cell omics for characterizations. The group also consists of a clinical unit that performs skin biopsies for generation of induced pluripotent stem cells as well as collection of tissue and brain imaging for in vivo validations. We are involved in several international and national collaborations on multiple levels. The group is supported by several funding agencies and for the specific fellowship the Swedish Society for Medical Research will provide the financial support.

Duties

The postdoctoral fellow will work on generating genetically engineered iPSC lines (CRISPR/Cas technologies) and apply these lines to brain organoid models. Analyses of single cell multiomics data will be supported by computational experts within the group. The work will be guided by a more detailed research plan and performed in close collaboration with a PhD student. The fellow will work independently and lead this part of the project with freedom to modify the original research plan as needed. Ongoing support will be available from the PI and the senior lab manager.

Entry requirements

Scholarships for postdoctoral qualification can be established for foreign researchers who place their qualifications in Sweden. The purpose of scholarships for postdoctoral qualification is to promote internationalization and contribute to research qualification after a doctorate or equivalent.
A scholarship for carrying out postdoctoral research can be granted for a maximum of two years within a four year period following the receipt of a doctoral degree or equivalent.
To be eligible for a postdoctoral scholarship, the person must have obtained a doctorate or a foreign degree deemed to be equivalent to a doctorate. Applicants who have not completed a doctorate at the end of the application period may also apply, provided that all requirements for a completed degree are met before the (intended) start date of the post doctoral education.

The head of the department determines whether their previous training and scholarly qualifications correspond to a Swedish doctorate or higher.

Other requirements

We are seeking a highly motivated and independent postdoctoral researcher that have a strong theoretical and practical background in cellular neurobiology. Previous experience from working with CRISPR technologies in iPSCs is a pre-requisite. Previous experience with generating brain organoids is highly desirable but not an absolute requirement. Previous experience with other assays that can be applied to our models will also be taken into account. The candidate should be highly goal-oriented and possess well-developed problem-solving skills. The work also requires teamwork skills.

Location: Biomedicum, Campus Solna.

Type of scholarship

The amount is tax free and it is set for twelve months at a time, paid out on a six months basis. In exceptional cases, shorter periods may be acceptable. There is flexibility in regard to total duration but within 1-2 years.

Application process

An application must contain the following documents in English or Swedish:

• A complete curriculum vitae, including date of the thesis defence, title of the thesis, previous academic positions, academic title, current position, academic distinctions, and committee work
• A complete list of publications
• A summary of current work (no more than one page)
• Verification from the thesis defense committee or the equivalent (only if the thesis defense is scheduled within three months after the application deadline)

The application is to be submitted on the Varbi recruitment system.

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